Former Pacific County Sheriff John Didion has died

KXRO has learned that the former Sheriff passed away following a “major medical event”.

The Pacific County Sheriff’s Office extends “heartfelt condolences to John’s wife, children, and grandchildren at this sad time. “Grays Harbor County Sheriff Rick Scott posted on his Facebook page, “It’s a sad day for many of us in Law Enforcement”.

Didion was born in 1947 in Woodland, California. He played college football at Oregon State University and was drafted in the seventh round of the 1969 NFL Draft where he went on to be a linebacker for the Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints from 1969 to 1974.

Pacific County Sheriff Scott Johnson said that after his NFL career, Didion and his family settled in Pacific County where he served as Sheriff from 1998-2010. Didion was a key supporter of the Naselle Youth Camp for at-risk youth over the years. “He worked to keep that facility open when they faced state budget challenges”.

According to Sheriff Johnson, former Sheriff Didion began his career with Pacific County as a road deputy and was later assigned as the D.A.R.E. officer. Didion also served as the Washington State D.A.R.E. coordinator. He worked to modernize the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office during his years of service. In 2009-2010 Didion served as the President of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

“John did a lot for our community and for the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office where he served as Sheriff for 12 years. He will be missed by many,” said Sheriff Scott Johnson.